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When I used to use avast on my test machine as well as client computers, the answer would be zero of those tools. I would always uncheck the boxes for all of that extra garbage, personally. I would usually not install the Mail Shield as well.

When I used to use avast on my test machine as well as client computers, the answer would be zero of those tools. I would always uncheck the boxes for all of that extra garbage, personally. I would usually not install the Mail Shield as well.

I uncheck all of them, only check the mail shield if they use an email client such as Outlook or Windows Live Mail. I understand Avast's reasoning for all of these things.... it's how they offer their program for free, but as long as I have to option to uncheck them I will continue to use Avast, it's a great program.

NONE and WOW been a bit since ive installed avast and man o man they are getting crazy with all those add on's i could never recc that to anyone to install on their own who is not knowledgeable enough to uncheck all those on their own. why do all these av companies choose to keep adding more GARBAGE to their programs. 4 years ago avast was my top pick then its been getting more bloated with every release since then. i no longer recc it.

Very true. I respect Avast and I greatly respect the fact that they give us the options for customizing their free version.

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But I don't like that I get popups (install grime fighter, try browser cleanup, we recommend software updater) if I don't install all the tools. Keep it light and simple Avast - look at Bitdefender Free or Panda Free.

But I don't like that I get popups (install grime fighter, try browser cleanup, we recommend software updater) if I don't install all the tools. Keep it light and simple Avast - look at Bitdefender Free or Panda Free.

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I hadn't used Avast in the past year or so, therefore I didn't realize that they have added so many nags in recent versions. I'm actually glad that I've stayed away from Avast now considering. It's sad that they've gone a little too far with that. I personally quite like Bitdefender Free but am following the development of it still to see what's going on lately.

But I don't like that I get popups (install grime fighter, try browser cleanup, we recommend software updater) if I don't install all the tools. Keep it light and simple Avast - look at Bitdefender Free or Panda Free.

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Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the popups can be disabled in the settings?

Popups can be disabled, for clients I use silent mode, that way they see nothing. The "average" user doesn't understand the popups anyways and wouldn't know what to do if prompted to remove a virus. With silent mode Avast just does it's job and the user is happy.

Software Updater - Outdated software is pretty much No.1 reason for all the exploits to function in the first place. So, keeping everything up to date can't be bloat.

Rescue Disc - If everything else fails, bootable offline scanner is one hell of an useful tool. So, not bloat.

SecureLine - While it's a paid function, it is still security related by keeping even open unsecured WiFi spots protected and can be used for sensitive data handling. Not bloat.

Remote Assistance - While not directly related to security, since almost entire avast! community is built upon user recommendations, helping friends remotely from home using easy to connect functionality is very useful. Try doing the same with other tools where you have to get IP address from the end user or get them to configure firewalls properly...

GrimeFighter - The only thing out of all that can be considerer as bloat since it's not related to security in any way.

sorry i read your reply and yup all bloat to me. I DONT NEED a av to do all this for me. i simply want a av to protect. and honestly if the av could prevent those toolbars in the first place they wouldnt need removal. i dont want nor need ANY of that from my anti virus. i want a simple anti virus to do its SOLE job not a program made to handle everything and the kitchen sink. so yes i know what bloat is and to me avast is currently one of the most bloated av's out there note i do not say the heaviest on the system but next thing they will add is a built in messenger and a side loaded os or some junk and say well if you use our os inside windows you will never be infected in a million years or some garbage. i am not saying avast is not a good av i do like it for its av but the av ONLY. sorry sir but i know what bloat is and i supported avast for a LONG time until the whole iyogi mess and then they add one thing then another etc etc etc and sorry but no thank you.

Maybe not for YOU, but who are you to decide for majority? AV's these days are designed for, well, clueless people and for those you have to do it all. And that includes warning them about outdated software they are using. And even if you don't like it, it's still not "bloat". When will you pelple finally get it that stuff that relates to a primary function of a program can't be bloat? Primary function of AV's is security. Keeping user's software up to date means better security. Ergo, not bloat. GrimFighter for example, is not related to primary funcion and yes, you can call it bloat if you want. But not Software Updater. But people call bloat just about every bloody thing these days.

and who are YOU to decide FOR them? just because you say to use it that means they should? no offense but i dont think you should be the one deciding for anyone they should be presented with answers and let them decide. the question was asked and i answered. i answered what I BELIEVE. ive been in this field for over 26 years. my clients almost never see infections and i rarely if EVER get call backs to fix problems. its NOT because i dont like it i call it bloat. its bloat because it doesnt belong in a av software. and when will you people finally get that it doesnt need to be there? see i can say the same things. create "avast software updater" and allow people to install it as a separate program but dont include it with the av. next thing the av software will decide who we should be dating or what to eat for dinner.

and a lot of users specifically do NOT update a lot of software because they have issues with newer versions especially in the business area, and then avast annoys them all the time. we see this with business' who do not want to update to the newest browser or the newest this or that. a good recent example is the newest ie11. it simply does not work right with mlxchange which is used by nearly every real estate agent i deal with, they dont want to update nor will they. and when CLIENTS call me and literally ask me to REMOVE this annoying garbage that keeps popping up and annoying them they ARE the majority. people simply dont want anything to ask or say to do this or that. they hate pop ups. and maybe your people are in the minority because i deal with THOUSANDS of clients on a weekly basis and people hate this extra junk. you will NEVER find me using or installing any of those third party driver updaters or software updaters on anyones pc's either stand alone or not.

you are entitled to what you think as am i and everyone else is. to me this stuff is junk and BLOAT to you maybe not. this is why i no longer use avast myself at this time and why MANY people no longer use it. i also no longer recc it to clients when their subs are up and i had A LOT of people running it. simply read comments around many places and forums online posted daily about how bloated avast is becoming or has become. so you post your thoughts and ill post mine. i dont need a av that decides what i should eat for dinner and at the rate they are going that will be coming.

this stuff is junk and bloat. and yes the software updater. there is NOTHING you will post to change my mind and ill continue to answer anyone that asks the same way.